How to make 2026 the year you get engaged with your superfund, with AustralianSuper

In this episode I'm joined by Kim Heironymous, education manager at AustralianSuper, to talk all things superannuation and how to get engaged with your superfund for the benefit of your future self.

Highlights:

• Understanding how super contributions work
• How you can make up for years of low/no super
• How spousal splitting and co-contributions can help you level the super playing field in your relationship
• The impact of small additional contributions
• Small ways you can take steps towards a better retirement

Take your Super Snapshot here to see how you’re tracking!

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Disclaimers:

If you’re considering making a decision about AustralianSuper, please read the relevant PDS and TMD available at www.australiansuper.com.

Before making a decision to combine your super, consider any fees or charges that may apply, and the effect a transfer may have on benefits in your other fund such as insurance cover.

If you wish to claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions, you must lodge a notice of intent to claim a tax deduction with your other fund before you combine your super.

Before adding to your super, consider your financial circumstances, eligibility, contribution caps that may apply, tax issues and when your super can be accessed.

AustralianSuper modelling projections show a high school graduate who starts their retail career at 18yo and earns 12% SG on their Ordinary Times Earnings (OTE) of $56,000 throughout their working life can expect a balance of $556,000 when they retire at 67. At 20yo, they change their investment option from Balanced to High Growth. They continue to earn 12% SG on their OTE of $56,000 throughout their working life. By changing their investment option, they can now expect a balance of $641,000 when they retire at 67 – that’s $85,000 more than if they hadn’t taken action.

The projection is only an estimate and isn’t a guarantee. The actual benefits you receive will depend on a range of factors including future economic conditions, investment performance and legislative change. Assumptions: Calculations at September 2025. Salary as per General Retail Industry Award (Retail Employee Level 4) 1 at 25 June 2025. Salary indexed at 3.5% pa. AustralianSuper administration fees of $1 pw and 0.10% of account balance (capped at $350 pa) and AustralianSuper average insurance costs of $450 p.a. Assumes member will receive a tax benefit of 15% on any administration fees and any insurance fees deducted directly from the account. Investment returns projected over the working lifetime are 6.5% p.a. for the Balanced option and 7.0% p.a. for the High Growth option, net of fees and applicable taxes. SG contributions are 12% pa from 1 July 2025. Assumes member works full-time throughout the projection period with no career breaks. 

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